Cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, including a core, at least one element attached to the core, each element including a central part fitted onto the core and at least one application member carried by the central part, this application member having at least one protruding relief for catching the eyelashes that is formed by an enlarged head, by a bent or toothed portion, preferably having, in the case of a toothed portion, teeth that protrude by at least 0.2 mm with respect to the portion to which they are joined.

The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, having an applicator part made up of a core and a plurality of elements attached to the core, each element having a central part fitted onto the core and at least one application member carried by the central part.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,241 B2 discloses a first applicator of this type. The core is constituted for example by a metal hairpin folded on itself and twisted, or by a shaft of non-circular cross section, the central part being passed through by one or more openings with corresponding shapes.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 9,591,916 B2 discloses further examples of applicators of this type, the central parts being in the form of disks that can be produced with complementary reliefs which allow them to be positioned with a mutually predefined angular orientation. The application members are constituted of simple spikes or, in a variant, of spikes that have short offshoots about a third of the way along their length. In further variants, the application members are in the form of tabs, the thickness of which decreases in the direction of the radially outer edge of the element, these tabs being flattened in one and the same plane as the central part. The tabs may be provided with concentric striations about the axis of the core, of small depth, or bosses or indentations of small size, forming a surface roughness.

There is a need to further improve applicators of this type, notably in order to have a good capacity for loading the eyelashes or eyebrows with cosmetic composition, while having satisfactory properties of curling the eyelashes and spreading the composition over the surface thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this aim by virtue of an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising:

-   -   a core,     -   at least one element attached to the core, each element         comprising a central part fitted onto the core and at least one         application member carried by the central part, this application         member comprising at least one protruding relief for catching         the eyelashes that is formed by an enlarged head, by a bent or         toothed portion, preferably having, in the case of a toothed         portion, teeth that protrude by at least 0.2 mm with respect to         the portion to which they are joined.

Advantageously, the cosmetic composition intended to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows is a mascara composition. A mascara composition conventionally has a viscosity greater than 5 Pa·s, notably between 5 Pa·s and 50 Pa·s, at 25° C., in particular measured with the aid of a Rheomat RM100® machine.

Such a mascara composition conventionally comprises a solids content, generally in an amount greater than or equal to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, a pulverulent colorant, in particular one or more pigments, notably one or more metal oxides, for example one or more iron oxides, and advantageously a film-forming polymer. A mascara composition may also conventionally comprise one or more waxes, in a total amount of in particular between 5 and 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The invention makes use of the fact that said elements can be produced separately so as to form reliefs thereon which would be difficult, if not impossible, to realize on conventional in brushes, in which the application members are molded in one piece of thermoplastic material with the core, on account of the problems associated with demolding.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, in accordance with the teaching of the document U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,241 B2 or its equivalent FR 2 900 319, the core has a longitudinal axis and each element is threaded onto the core along its longitudinal axis before the core is twisted, the core and the element, in particular the core and the central part of the element, being mechanically connected in order to substantially prevent the element from pivoting freely on the core.

Such a mechanical connection with no possibility of relative rotation of the core and the element(s) threaded onto the latter before twisting can be obtained by means of a core produced in the form of an elongate element that is made of plastically deformable material and has a non-circular (for example polygonal, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc., oval, multilobed, etc.) cross section in the non-twisted state, said core being threaded through an orifice of complementary cross section provided in the central part of each of the elements.

In a variant, the core comprises two wires made of plastically deformable material, for example two metal wires, optionally joined together at one of their ends by being produced from a single wire folded into the form of a hairpin, and the mechanical connection with no possibility of relative rotation of the core and the element(s) threaded onto the latter before twisting is obtained by threading the wires of the core in the non-twisted state into two orifices, preferably with complementary shapes, provided in the central part of each of the elements.

The core carrying the element(s) is then twisted so as to obtain a helical spread of the application members along the longitudinal axis of the core. The expression “the core is twisted” means here that the core, carrying the element(s), is subjected to torsion, realized for example by imparting on one of its parts a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the core (for example in the clockwise direction), while the other parts of the core remain rotationally fixed, or are subjected to a movement in the opposite direction (for example in the counterclockwise direction). This torsional force is realized so as to impart a plastic deformation on the core, such that the latter takes on its twisted shape in a stable and definitive manner once this torsional force stops being exerted on it.

The present invention is not limited to just the above-described embodiments for ensuring the mechanical connection with no possibility of relative rotation between the core and the element, in particular between the core and the central part of the element, but rather extends to all technical equivalents known to a person skilled in the art for producing such a connection.

The catching relief provided on the application member makes it possible to more easily control the eyelashes that come into contact with the applicator part in order to curl them or to spread the product over their surface for example.

The application member may be hollow and have a cavity that makes it possible to collect product by surface tension and thus to increase the autonomy of the applicator and/or to increase the loading capacity of the applicator, without otherwise losing any capacity for separating and combing the eyelashes. This cavity preferably has a greatest dimension of at least 0.2 mm, better still at least 0.5 mm. The application members can be produced easily with a shape suitable for separation and combing and in sufficient numbers to obtain a satisfactory makeup effect. The invention makes it possible to produce wide application members that are capable of being loaded with a relatively large amount of composition while retaining a certain amount of flexibility, if desired, by producing them with the aid of a strand of material which surrounds the cavity, this strand preferably being contained in a plane.

The strand of material can be given any shape depending on the desired characteristics, and notably a constant or non-constant cross section around the perimeter of the cavity. The strand of material can be given a shape that is narrower in places, if need be, in order to confer greater flexibility thereon. The strand has a cross section, which is notably square, of for example between 0.04 and 1 mm² around at least a quarter of the perimeter of the cavity that it delimits, better still at least half this perimeter, or even three quarters or all thereof. The presence of the cavity gives the hollow application members greater flexibility in order to pass the wiping member with which the container from which the composition is taken is equipped.

The strand of material can comprise at least a portion with a variable curvature.

The strand of material can comprise at least a slope discontinuity that forms an elbow.

The greatest width of the notably hollow, application members, measured perpendicularly to their elongation axis, is for example greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, being preferably between 0.5 and 5 mm, better still between 1 and 2 mm.

Preferably, the central part and the application members of an element are produced in one piece by molding thermoplastic material, notably from the same material. Each element which is mounted on the core can have between 4 and 24 application members.

The element may have hollow application members, the cavity of which has a closed contour, thereby helping to improve the mechanical integrity of the application member, since the latter can then be produced without a free strand of material.

It is thus possible to obtain application members which are both highly loadable with product and have a good capacity for combing and separating the eyelashes on account of their mechanical strength.

The fact that the applicator is produced with separate elements makes it possible to easily give the cavity of the hollow application members various shapes, the element being for example demolded along the axis of the central part, which is the general direction in which the core passes through the central part, this axis being able to be parallel to an axis along which the cavity passes through the application member. If need be, notably when the axis of the cavity is oriented perpendicularly to a radius, demolding can be carried out with elastic deformation of the application member.

An applicator according to the invention can have one or more of the following characteristics, considered in isolation or in combination:

-   -   the catching relief may be defined by an enlarged head;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a head in the shape of an         arrow;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a head in the shape of a         mushroom;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a head with a circular         contour, notably in the form of a disk or ball;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a strand of material which         describes at least one slot;     -   the head may have a circular contour in at least one plane;     -   the head may be cross-shaped;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a bent portion of the         application member;     -   the catching relief may be defined by a tooth formed at the         meeting point of two pointed arches that are concave toward the         outside;     -   the application member may have a strand of material which         describes at least one slot, notably having a leg which is         attached radially to the central part, a first elbow         substantially at a right angle, a second elbow substantially at         a right angle toward the outside, a third elbow substantially at         a right angle toward the elongation axis (Y) of the leg, and a         fourth elbow substantially at a right angle toward the outside,         the distal portion of the application member being straight and         eccentric with respect to the elongation axis of the leg;     -   the application member may have two arms that diverge away from         the central part, at least one bearing a catching relief,         preferably both arms bearing a catching relief at their end;     -   the application member may have the overall shape of a V with         elbows at the ends of the V, the element preferably having an         alternation of a first application member having the overall         shape of a V with elbows oriented substantially perpendicularly         to a median plane for the application member, and a second         application member having elbows oriented toward the central         part;     -   the element may have an alternation of a first application         member having the overall shape of an arrow, the tip of which is         directed toward the outside, and a second application member         having the overall shape of an arrow, the tip of which is         directed toward the central part, the head of the first         application member being further away from the central part than         the head of the second application member;     -   the application member may have a central arm provided at its         end with an enlarged head, notably with a circular contour, and         two V-shaped lateral arms that are shorter than the central arm;     -   the application member may have a leg and an enlarged head         having an outer edge that is convex toward the outside and an         inner edge that is concave toward the central part and has less         of a curvature than the convex edge;     -   the application member may have a base and a head that are         linked by a stem that is less wide than the base and the head,         forming at least one groove, preferably having facing edges that         converge toward one another away from the bottom of the groove;     -   the elongation axes (Y) of the application members may be         coplanar;     -   at least one application member of an element may be flattened         in a plane, and notably each application member may be flattened         in a flattening plane, common to all the application members of         the element;     -   the application members of an element may have their flattening         plane oriented in a plane containing the axis (X) of the central         part, the application member preferably having a shape that is         symmetric with respect to a median plane containing the         elongation axis (Y) of the application member and perpendicular         to the flattening plane.

A further subject of the invention is a packaging and application device having:

-   -   a container containing the composition to be applied,     -   an applicator according to the invention.

A further subject of the invention is a method for the cosmetic treatment of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, notably for making them up, comprising the step of applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes with the aid of an applicator according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic and partial view of an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows the applicator part of an example of an applicator produced in accordance with the invention, on its own,

FIG. 3 shows an element used to produce the applicator part shown in FIG. 2, on its own,

FIG. 4 shows an example of a core on which the elements can be mounted, the core being shown before the mounting of the elements and twisting,

FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are views similar to FIG. 3 of variant embodiments,

FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 29 show the applicator parts produced with the elements in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 respectively, and

FIGS. 31 to 37 shows variant embodiment of the application member.

The packaging and application device 1 shown schematically and partially in FIG. 1 has a container 2 containing the composition to be applied and an applicator 3 for applying this composition.

The container 2 comprises a body which is provided for example, as illustrated, with a threaded neck 4 to which the applicator 3 can be fastened When the device 1 is not being used.

A wiping member (not visible in the figure) is secured in the neck of the container, in the usual manner. It may be a flexible lip with a conical, wavy or other shape.

The applicator 3 comprises an applicator part 5 which is used for applying the composition, this applicator part 5 being mounted at one end of a stem 6, the other end of which is carried by a gripping member 7 that also constitutes, in the example in question, a closure member for the container 2, being designed to be fastened to the neck 4.

The composition which is applied may be constituted by any cosmetic product intended for making up or for caring for the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. Preferably, it is mascara. The composition may notably include pigments, such as iron oxides, dispersed in an aqueous or anhydrous medium. The capacity of the container is preferably between 5 and 30 ml.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an applicator part 5 produced from individual elements 10, one of which has been shown on its own in FIG. 3.

The applicator part 5 is preferably produced in accordance with the teaching of the patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,241 B2, as described below. The elements 10 are thus mounted on a core 9 that holds them in a stacked manner and securely relative to one another. This core 9 is for example a twisted core, produced from a metal wire folded into the form of a hairpin, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In a variant, the core may be constituted by two separate metal wires that are positioned in a substantially parallel manner like the arms of the hairpin illustrated in FIG. 4, onto which the elements 10 are threaded and which are then twisted.

The elements 10 have holes 11, which are shown schematically in FIG. 3, for the arms 9 a and 9 b of the core to pass through before the latter is twisted.

For the sake of clarity of the drawing, the core 9 has not been shown in FIG. 2, and the holes 11 passing through the central part 12 are only shown in FIG. 3.

In the example in question, the elements 10 are identical, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if elements 10 of different shapes were stacked on the core 9 within the applicator part 5.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, each element 10 has hollow application members 20 which engage with the eyelashes or eyebrows while the applicator 3 is being used. In the example in question, these hollow application members 20 alternate circumferentially with solid application members 30.

The application elements 20 and 30 have, in this example, the same exterior shape, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the exterior shapes were different.

The central part 12 is in the form of a flattened disk, the holes 11 for the arms 9 a, 9 b of the core 9 to pass through being disposed symmetrically relative to an axis X of the element 10, which may be an axis of symmetry for the central part 12.

In the example illustrated, the element 10 has three hollow application members 20 which alternate with three solid application members 30, the hollow application members 20 being disposed at 120 degrees to one another about the axis X of the element 10.

The application members 20 or 30 have an enlarged head 40 linked to a base 41 by a stem 42 that is less wide than the head and the base. The head 40 forms with the base 41, on the outside, a groove 45 on each side of the elongation axis Y of the application member 20. The head is wider than the base 41.

This elongation axis Y is, in the example illustrated, an axis of symmetry for the application member, and coincides with a radius.

The surface of the central part 12, to which the application members are joined, may be in the shape of a cylinder of revolution about the axis X, but further shapes are possible.

In the example illustrated, the application members 20 and 30 each have a flattened shape in a plane which is coincident with the flattening plane of the central part 12, this plane being perpendicular to the axis X and to the axis Z of the applicator part 5.

The application members 20 and 30 substantially meet at their base, where they are joined to the central part 12.

The application members 20 are formed by a strand of material 44 which extends through a loop that is closed by the central part 12. More particularly, this strand of material 44 is joined to the central part 12, forming a first elbow 51, which forms one of the sides of the enlarged base 41. The strand 44 continues beyond the elbow 51 with a U-shaped portion 52 that defines the groove 45 on one side of the application member 20 and then continues in the form of an arch 53, convex toward the outside, which forms the top of the enlarged head 40 of the application member 20.

The enlarged head 40 has, on the opposite side from the arch 53, edges 54 which are oriented toward the axis and toward the arch 53. The groove 45 has edges that converge slightly toward the opening thereof, the bottom of the groove 45 being substantially flat for example, as illustrated.

The fact that the groove 45 is delimited by edges which converge away from the bottom thereof further improves the retention of the composition within said groove by the surface tension effect.

Each application member 20 or 30 has a relatively squat shape, with a height h, measured between the vertex of the application member and the central part, which is substantially of the same order of magnitude as the width l of the application member, measured perpendicularly to the elongation axis Y. For example, 0.5 h≤l≤2 h. For example, 1 mm<l<6 mm and 2 mm<h<8 mm.

The cavity 14 defined inside the strand of material 44 makes it possible to collect the composition within the applicator part 5 in spite of the passage through the wiping member on exiting the container 2.

Product can also collect in the grooves 45 formed between the head and the base of the application members 20 and 30, this collection of composition taking place at a non-zero radial distance from the central part 12. It is thus easier for the eyelashes and eyebrows to access the composition, since they do not have to be introduced as far as the central part 12 to be loaded with composition.

The protruding parts formed by the lateral ends of the enlarged heads are suitable for catching the eyelashes, and this can improve the controlling thereof by the applicator part, in order for example to curl them or spread the composition over the surface thereof.

The relatively wide base of the application members 20 and 30 gives them good stability with respect to forces which can be exerted while the applicator part 5 is being used, notably on passing through the wiping member or for applying the composition to the eyelashes and eyebrows. The cavity 14 helps to confer flexibility for passing through the wiping member.

In order to produce the applicator part 2, the elements 10 are threaded onto the core 9 and then the latter is twisted, as per the teaching of the patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,241 B2, The number of elements 10 is for example between 2 and 100, better still between 5 and 15.

In order to manufacture the elements 10, they can be molded in a suitable mold such that demolding takes place along the axis X.

In such a case, the presence of the cavity 14 within the hollow application elements 20 does not hamper demolding any way. In general, any thermoplastic material can be used to mold the elements 10, regardless of the shape of the central part 12 and of the application members joined thereto. It is possible notably to use a polyolefin or a thermoplastic elastomer, for example of the SEBS type.

It is also possible to produce the element 10 from a non-thermoplastic material, for example a metal or ceramic material.

During the twisting of the core, the elements 10 can undergo rotation relative to one another, such that a progressive angular offset is created between the elements, along the core, this being able, if appropriate, to create helical furrows in the applicator part 5.

In one variant, the elements 10 are mounted on a non twisted core, for example one that is constituted by a shall of non-circular cross section, and the central parts 12 have an opening with a corresponding shape, so as to allow the central parts to be mounted on the shaft without rotation relative thereto. The elements 10 can be disposed on the core with their final orientation.

If appropriate, it is possible to produce the central parts 12 with complementary reliefs which cooperate so as to make it easier to position one element 10 in a predefined angular position about the longitudinal axis of the core relative to the adjacent elements 10.

The depth p of the groove 45 is for example greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and the width w of the opening of the groove is for example between 0.2 and 3 mm.

The strand of material 44 can have a cross section which is substantially constant around the entire contour of the application member 20, between its ends that are joined to the central part 12. The cross section of the strand 44 is for example around 0.25 mm².

A first set of variant embodiments of application members and elements 10 having hollow application members 20 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

In the variant in FIGS. 5 and 6, each element 10 has an alternation of hollow application members 20 and solid application members 30, there being four hollow application members 20 in the example in question, which are disposed at 90 degrees to one another.

The cavity 14 of each hollow application member 20 is formed by a strand of material 63 which describes a closed curve constituting an enlarged head 60, this loop being joined to the central part 12 by a leg 61.

In the example illustrated, the enlarged head 60 has the overall shape of a harpoon with a top arch 65, which has a substantially parabolic shape that is convex toward the outside, and a bottom arch 66, which is concave toward the central part 12 and has less of a curvature than the top arch 65.

The cavity 14 has a radial dimension which is thus at its maximum on the elongation axis Y and which decreases towards the meeting point between the arches 65 and 66.

At this meeting point, the enlarged head 60 defines teeth 65 which are oriented in a direction away from the axis Y and toward the central part, this orientation helping to catch more of the eyelashes which are introduced into the applicator part 5.

In the example illustrated, the distance e between the enlarged heads 60 of two adjacent application members 20, 30 on the element 10 is relatively small and less than the distance between the legs 61 at their base. The enlarged heads 60 are thus relatively close together. This distance e may be between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, being large enough to allow an eyelash to pass into the space between two legs 61 under the enlarged heads 60.

When the spacing e is sufficiently small, that is to say less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm, another cavity 69, which is almost closed, where the composition can also collect by surface tension, is formed between the application members 20 and 30. This almost closed cavity 69 extends as far as the central part 12 in the example in question.

In the same way as for the example in FIG. 3, it is possible to have a height h and a width l of the application member which satisfy the relationship 0.5 h≤l≤2 h.

FIG. 6 shows that the elements 10 can be angularly offset on account of the twisting of the core.

A variant embodiment of the applicator part 5 and of the elements 10 with which the latter is produced will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the example in FIG. 7, the element 10 only has hollow application members 20, unlike the examples in FIGS. 3 and 5, where there is an alternation of application members of different natures in the circumferential direction.

All of the application members 20 are identical and each have a toothed shape. The cavities 14 are delimited by a strand of material 80 which describes a succession of pointed arches, which are concave toward the outside, teeth being formed at the meeting point between two arches. More particularly, in the example illustrated, the strand of material 80 describes, starting from the central part 12, a first pointed arch 81, which is joined to a second arch 82, forming a first tooth 86, this second arch 82 itself being joined to a third arch 83, forming a tooth 84.

Each application member 20 has a shape that is symmetric with respect to its elongation axis Y.

At their meeting point, the two arches 83 form a tooth 85, which defines the vertex of the hollow application member 20 and is situated on the elongation axis Y.

Each application member 20 thus has the overall shape of a holly leaf. In this example, the cavity 14 extends over substantially the entire height h of the application member 20, less the thickness taken up by the strand of material 80. The height m of the cavity, measured along the elongation axis Y, that is to say along a radius in the example in question, is thus greater than or equal to half the height h. There is for example the following relationship between l and h 0.5 h≤l≤2 h.

FIG. 7 shows that the gap e which exists between two adjacent application members, at the teeth 86, is relatively small and for example less than or equal to 0.3 mm, and may notably be between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.

In the example illustrated, the application members 20 substantially meet at their base, where the strands of material 80 are joined to the central part 12. The fact that the teeth 86 of the adjacent application members are relatively close together makes it possible to form, between the first arches 81 of two adjacent application members, reserves of product in a relatively confined space 90 which only communicates with the outside through a relatively narrow opening 91, of width e. The space 90 constitutes an almost closed cavity when the width e is less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

The arches 82 which extend on either side of this narrow opening 91 define a product collection surface at a non-zero distance from the central part 12. The user thus has a reserve of product in this space 94, where the eyelashes can be introduced, while benefiting from teeth formed at the meeting point between the different arches in order to grip the eyelashes.

All of the concavities formed by the different arches form a corresponding number of indentations in which product can collect, thereby increasing the loading capacity of the applicator part 5.

FIG. 8 shows that the elements 10 can be angularly offset with respect to one another, on account of the twisting of the core.

A variant embodiment of the applicator part 5 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

In this example, the element 10 only has solid application members 30.

Each application member 30 has a radial arm 300, provided at its end with an X-shaped head 301, having two inner arms 302 that are oriented at 90° to one another toward the central part 12, and two outer arms 303 that are oriented at 90° to one another toward the outside.

The center of the X is situated on the elongation axis of the application member 30.

The length s of the arms 302 and 303 is for example between 0.1 and 3 mm, this length being able to be identical or different for the different arms of the head 301.

In the example in question, the arms 302 and 303 extend at an angle of about 45° to the elongation axis.

The inner arms 302 form hooks suitable for gripping the eyelashes introduced into the applicator part. Their reentrant orientation makes it possible to readily catch the eyelashes.

The outer aims 303 define between one another a cavity 305 that is open toward the outside, in which the composition can collect by surface tension while remaining easily accessible for the eyelashes. The bottom of the cavity 305 is situated at a distance q from the central part 12 of for example between 0.5 and 7.5 mm, better still between 1 and 6 mm.

The ratio q/h, where h is the total height of the application member, is preferably greater than or equal to 25%, better still greater than or equal to 50%

The elements 10 are angularly offset within the applicator part on account of the twisting of the core.

The variant embodiment in FIGS. 11 and 12 has an alternation of application members 230 and 240 in the circumferential. direction.

The application members 230 are in the shape of an outwardly facing arrow, while the application members 240 are in the shape of an inwardly facing arrow.

Each application member 230 thus has a leg 231 by which it is joined to the central part 12 and a head 232 with a shape that tapers toward the outside, forming, at its connection to the leg, discontinuities 233 which can be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the elongation axis Y of the application member 230.

The flat part of the head 232 is in this example parallel to the flattening plane of the central part 12.

The discontinuities 233 are for example situated more than half-way along the length of the application member starting from the central part 12.

The application members 240 have a radial arm 241 which is joined to an enlarged base 243 in the form of an arrowhead directed toward the central part 12.

Discontinuities 244 are formed at the meeting point of the arm 241 and the base 243, these discontinuities 244 being oriented perpendicularly to the axis Y.

The application members 230 make it possible to grip the eyelashes by virtue of the presence of the discontinuities 233 formed by the head 232. The tapered shape of the application members 230 ensures good penetration of the eyelashes therebetween.

Each head 232 and the adjacent radial arm 241 form a sort of guide against which an eyelash can press when it is introduced into the applicator part 5, which can guide them until they cross the corresponding discontinuity 233, the gap between the head 232 and the radial arm 241 being preferably sufficient to allow the passage of an eyelash.

The discontinuities 244 allow the collection of composition at a distance from the central part 12, in a more easily accessible zone for the eyelashes than the surface of the central part 12.

When the gap e between the base 243 of an application member 240 and the leg 231 of an adjacent application member 230 is sufficiently small, notably less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm, an almost closed cavity 250 can be created in the space extending between the central part 12 and the edge of the discontinuity 244 along the leg 231 and the base 243.

Such a cavity 250 makes it possible to collect composition above the surface of the central part 12. The distance between the base of the leg 231 and the origin of the base 243 at the central part 12 may be greater than the spacing e, such that the cavity 250 narrows away from the central part 12.

The difference between the height t at which the discontinuities 233 are situated with respect to the central part 12, measured along the elongation axis Y of the application member 230 in question, and the height u at which the discontinuities 244 are situated, is for example between 0 and 5 mm, better still between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, being for example around 1 mm.

In the examples which have just been described with respect to FIGS. 3 to 11, the application members each have a flattened shape in the flattening plane of the central part 12, and have a thickness, measured along the axis X of the central part 12, which is less than or equal to the thickness of the latter. The application members can be given a different orientation without departing from the scope of the present invention, as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 20.

In the examples in these figures, each element 10 has a central part 12 that is thicker than in the above-described examples, and the application members each have a flattened shape in a plane which contains a radius and the axis X of the central part 12.

In the example in FIGS. 13 and 14, the elements 10 each have an alternation of hollow application members 20 and solid application members 30 with the same shape as those in the example in FIGS. 2 and 3.

However, in this example, the application members are more numerous and do not meet at their base, the spacing between two consecutive application members in the circumferential direction being for example greater than the thickness of one application member.

The element 10 has for example, 18 application members, half of which are hollow.

FIG. 14 shows that an angular offset can be induced by the twisting of the arms 9 a and 9 b of the core.

In the example in FIGS. 15 and 16, the application members 20 and 30 are identical to those in the example in FIGS. 5 and 6. The disposition thereof on the central part 12 is identical to that in the example in FIG. 13.

In the example in FIGS. 17 and 18, the application members 20 are identical to those in the example in FIGS. 11 and 12. The disposition thereof on the central part 12 is identical to that in the example in FIG. 13.

in the example in FIGS. 19 and 20, the application members 20 are identical to those in the example in FIGS. 7 and 8. The disposition thereof on the central part 12 is identical to that in the example in FIG. 13.

The hollow application members can be given yet other shapes, and notably they can be produced with at least one bridge of material on the inside to form two interior cavities.

In the examples which have just been described, the hollow application members define closed cavities. It is possible to produce the hollow application members with almost closed cavities. By way of example, FIG. 3A shows an example of such a hollow application member 20′, the outer contour of which is substantially identical to that of a hollow application member 20 of the example in FIG. 3 apart from an interruption 130 to the strand of material 44, this interruption having a width e less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

An almost closed cavity can have the advantage of allowing an eyelash to pass through the interruption 130 and/or to confer greater flexibility on wiping.

in the example illustrated, the interruption 130 is positioned at the vertex of the application member, but could be positioned elsewhere, for example at the connection to the central part 12.

Almost closed cavities can also be formed between two adjacent application members of one and the same element 10, when these have portions that are sufficiently close together away from their base.

This is for example the case in the examples in FIGS. 5 and 7, described above, when the gap e between the adjacent application members at for example the enlarged heads 60 or the teeth 86 is sufficiently small, namely less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

A small gap e can also tend to retain a certain quantity of composition outside the application members, for example in the recess 68 formed between the convex surfaces defining the top of the heads 60 in the example in FIG. 5. This can make it easier for the eyelashes to access the composition with which the applicator part 5 is loaded.

In these examples in FIGS. 5 and 7, at least some of the application members between which these almost closed cavities are formed are hollow.

Further variant embodiments without hollow application members 20 will now be described with reference.

In the example in FIGS. 23 and 24, the element 10 has an alternation of application members 30 a and 30 b which follow one another in the circumferential direction around the central part 12.

The application members 30 a and 30 b each have the overall shape of a V, with two diverging arms 140 toward the outside for the element 30 a and two diverging arms 150 for the element 30 b. The opening angle k′ of the V is for example between 15 and 60°, better still between 30 and 45°.

The arms 140 are bent toward the outside at their distal end and have two end portions 141 that are oriented perpendicularly to the elongation axis Y, which is an axis of symmetry for the application member and is coincident with a radius.

The arms 150 are likewise bent at their distal end, but at a greater angle than the arms 140, such that the end portions 151 formed by the elbows each form an acute angle c with the corresponding portion 152 of the arm which is joined to the central part 12.

The arms 140 meet at their base. The same goes for the arms 150.

The application members 30 a and 30 b thus each form two reliefs that are able to improve the catching of the eyelashes during make-up application.

Catching is particularly pronounced with the application members 30 b on account of the orientation of the end portions 151.

In the example illustrated, the gap e between the free end of one portion 151 and the adjacent arm 140 of the neighboring application member 30 a is small and less than 0.3 mm, better still less than 0.2 mm, even better still less than 0.1 mm, such that two application members 30 a and 30 b form, between one another, an almost closed cavity 156 that is able to collect a certain amount of composition.

The portions 141 and 151 can also define, between one another, a space that leads to the outside and contains composition, the latter being able to be retained between said portions on account of its viscosity. This collection of composition at a relatively large radial distance from the central part makes it easier for the eyelashes to access the composition.

As in the above-described examples, the elements 10 can be angularly offset from one element 10 to the next on account of the twisting of the core.

In the example in FIGS. 25 and 26, each element 10 of the applicator part 5 has a succession of identical application members 160, for example 14 thereof.

Each application member 160 has a leg 161 which extends along the elongation axis Y, and has four successive elbows 162 to 165, each at a right angle in the example in question.

The elbow 162 is directed in the clockwise direction, the elbow 163 toward the outside, the elbow 164 in the counterclockwise direction, and the elbow 165 toward the outside.

The elbows 163 and 164 form a groove 167, the bottom of which is defined by a segment 68 of the application member.

The distal portion of the application member is defined by a segment 169 which is parallel to the segment 168 and perpendicular to the segment 170, which forms the elbow 162 with the leg 161.

The segment 169 is offset toward the segment 168 with respect to the leg 161.

The gap e between the elbows 162 and 163 of two consecutive application members on the element 10 is relatively small, and is much less than the distance between the legs of these application members and their base.

When the gap e is less than 0.3 mm, better still less than 0.2 mm, even better still less than 0.1 mm, the legs 161 form, with the segment 168 which is directed from one of the application members toward the other, an almost closed cavity 166 in which the composition can collect.

The groove 167 makes it possible to form a reserve of composition away from the central part, thereby allowing the eyelashes to be loaded without the latter having to be dipped deeply into the applicator part.

The segment 172 which defines, with the distal segment 169, the elbow 164 also makes it possible to retain the composition on a surface radially away from the central part 12.

Moreover, the notch formed by the succession of elbows 162 to 164 forms kind of hook that is able to improve the catching of the eyelashes on the applicator part 5.

The distal segments 169 make it possible to benefit from a surface having a high capacity for separating the eyelashes, since they make it easier to introduce the eyelashes between the application members.

Various modifications can be made to this example, notably with regard to the shape of the abovementioned notch, which may be V-shaped in one variant, in which case the number of elbows is reduced to three. In other variants, the number of elbows is higher.

A variant embodiment in which the application members 180 each have the overall shape of a V, with two arms 181 diverging toward the outside, having bases that meet, and being provided at the end with enlarged heads 182 in the form of disks, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.

The angle of divergence between the axes of the arms 181 is for example between 15 and 60α, better still between 30 and 45°.

Each head 182 forms, with the arm 181 to which it is joined, a discontinuity 183 which makes it possible to improve the catching of the eyelashes with the applicator part 5.

The close-together heads 182 of two consecutive application members 180 can, when the gap e between them is sufficiently small, i.e. less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm, form an almost closed cavity 187, which is delimited on the inner side by the central part 12, on the sides by the arms 181, and on the outer side by the heads 182.

Finally, the heads 182 can receive a certain load of composition on their surface that faces towards the outside, thereby increasing the quantity of composition available on the outer surface of the applicator part 5. In particular, the composition can collect in the recesses 188 thrilled between two heads 182 if the latter are sufficiently close together for a bridge of composition to form by capillary action.

In a similar way to the above-described exemplary embodiments, two consecutive elements can be angularly offset on account of the twisting of the core.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 has application members 200 that are each formed by three arms, namely a central arm 201, which extends along the elongation axis Y of the application member 200, is longest and is formed by a simple spike, and two diverging lateral arms 202, that deviate from the central arm 201 away from the central part 12 and are each provided at their end with an enlarged head 203, for example in the form of a disk or ball.

The length j of the central arm 201 is greater than the height k of the lateral arms 202 measured at the vertex of the head 203. For example, j>1.4 k, better still j>1.5 k, and preferably 1.4 k<j<3 k.

The angle f of divergence between the axes of the arms 202 is for example between 15 and 60°, better still between 30 and 45°.

The arms 201 and 202 meet, for example, at their base.

The gap e between each head 203 and the central arm 201, when it is sufficiently small, i.e. less than or equal to 0.3 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.2 mm, even better still less than or equal to 0.1 mm, can make it possible to form an almost closed cavity 205 that is able to collect a certain amount of composition.

Moreover, the composition can collect on the top of the heads 203, on either side of the central arm 201. Thus, when an eyelash is introduced into the applicator part 5, it can press against the head 203 and be loaded with composition. It can also be introduced between the heads 203 of two adjacent application members 201 that are spaced further apart than the heads 203 are from the central arm. The presence of the arms 202 provided with heads makes it possible to improve the catching of the eyelashes by the applicator part 5, by virtue of the discontinuity formed at the base of the head, where it is joined to the arm, which tends to retain the eyelash.

The elements 10 can be angularly offset within the applicator part on account of the twisting of the core.

In the variant embodiment in FIGS. 21 and 22, each application member 220 has a central arm 221 provided at its end with an enlarged head 222, and two lateral arms 223 that are disposed. on each side of the central arm 221 and diverge toward the outside. The lateral arms 223 are formed by simple spikes. The arms 221 and 223 meet at their base.

The angle g of divergence between the axes of the lateral arms 223 is for example between 15 and 60°, better still between 30 and 45°.

This angle g and the length of the lateral arms 223 can be chosen such that their ends are sufficiently close together for them to be considered to form, with the central part 12, an almost closed cavity 225.

When they are close together, the adjacent lateral arms 223 of two consecutive application members 220 of an element 10 can help to retain a certain amount of composition at the end of the arms 223, at a radial distance from the central part 12.

The gap e between the arms 223 can be less than 0.3 mm, better still 0.2 mm or less, even better still 0.1 mm or less.

For example, there are the following relationships between the total length of the central arm, measured at the vertex of the head 222, and the height of the lateral arms, measured along the elongation axis Y: j>1.4 k, better still j>1.5 k, and preferably 1.4 k<j<3 k.

The presence of the head 222 creates a discontinuity 224 at its base, which is able to improve the catching of the eyelashes by the applicator part.

Between the central arm and each lateral arm there is also a V-shaped groove that is open toward the outside, into which an eyelash can be introduced, which can help to take hold of the eyelash in order to spread the composition on its surface.

Two consecutive elements 10 may be angularly offset on account of the twisting of the core.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 31, 32 and 36, the application member 300 comprises a central arm 302 and two lateral arms 304 extending laterally from the central arm 302 toward the end of the application member. The lateral arms 304 protrude from the central arms 302 and can catch the eyelashes. They form with the central arm 302 an enlarged head. The lateral arms 304 form elbows with the central arm 302. The central arm 302 can comprise an enlarged portion 306 as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 36. The lateral arms 304 can extend from the enlarged portion, as illustrated in FIG. 32, or not, as illustrated on FIG. 36.

In the embodiment of FIG. 33, the applicator member 400 comprises a arm 402 extending from the applicator element and an enlarged head 404 at the end of the arm 402 extending only on one side of the application member. The enlarged head 404 comprises a protruding relief 406 extending toward the application element from the enlarged head. Such enlarged head 404 and protruding relief 406 form a relief to catch the eyelashes.

FIG. 34 displays an application member 500 comprising at its end a hook 402 to catch the eyelashes. The hook is formed by an elbow of the application member 500. The application member 500 can comprise as illustrated a protrusion 504 in a hook form extending laterally from the side of the application member 500.

FIG. 35 shows an application member 600 that comprises a central arm 602 and two arms 604 extending laterally from the end of the central arm 602 toward the central part. The arms 604 form an enlarged head that is configured to catch the eyelashes.

In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the application member 700 forms a loop 702 comprising protruding reliefs 704 on its surface to the outside of the applicator. The reliefs 704 can catch the eyelashes. The loop 702 is illustrated as a closed loop. However, the loop could comprise an opening.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. For example, the number of application members may be different in each of the examples.

For example, it is possible to stack on the core elements 10 Which are not identical, being made for example of different materials, notably with different hardnesses, and/or having application members with different shapes.

The core can be given a curvature, such that the applicator part extends along a curved longitudinal axis.

The elements 10 can be produced with holes 11 positioned differently on the central part 12, such that it is possible to thread the elements 10 onto the core while offsetting them angularly. 

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising: a core, at least one element attached to the core, each element comprising a central part fitted onto the core and at least one application member carried by the central part, this application member having at least one protruding relief for catching the eyelashes that is formed by an enlarged head, by a bent or toothed portion.
 2. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catching relief is defined by an enlarged head.
 3. The applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the catching relief is defined by a head in the shape of an arrow.
 4. The applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the catching relief is defined by a head in the shape of a mushroom.
 5. The applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the catching relief is defined by a head with a circular contour.
 6. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catching relief is defined by a strand of material which describes at least one slot.
 7. The applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the head has a circular contour in at least one plane.
 8. The applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the head is cross-shaped.
 9. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catching relief is defined by a bent portion of the application member.
 10. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catching relief is defined by a tooth formed at the meeting point of two pointed arches that are concave toward the outside.
 11. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has a strand of material which describes at least one slot.
 12. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has two arms that diverge away from the central part, at least one bearing a catching relief.
 13. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has the overall shape of a V with elbows at the ends of the V.
 14. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the element has an alternation of a first application member having the overall shape of an arrow, the tip of which is directed toward the outside, and a second application member having the overall shape of an arrow, the tip of which is directed toward the central part, the head of the first application member being further away from the central part than the head of the second application member.
 15. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has a central arm provided at its end with an enlarged head, and two V-shaped lateral arms that are shorter than the central arm.
 16. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has a leg and an enlarged head having an outer edge that is convex toward the outside and an inner edge that is concave toward the central part and has less of a curvature than the convex edge.
 17. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application member has a base and a head that are linked by a stem that is less wide than the base and the head, forming at least one groove.
 18. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongation axes of the application members are coplanar.
 19. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one application member of an element is flattened in a plane.
 20. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application members of an element have their flattening plane oriented in a plane containing the axis of the central part.
 21. A packaging and application device having: a container containing the composition to be applied, an applicator as defined in any claim
 1. 22. A method for the cosmetic treatment of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising the step of applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes with the aid of an applicator as claimed in claim
 1. 23. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enlarged head has, in the case of a toothed portion, teeth that protrude by at least 0.2 mm with respect to the portion to which they are joined.
 24. The applicator as claimed in claim 11, wherein the strand of material has a leg which is attached radially to the central part, a first elbow substantially at a right angle, a second elbow substantially at a right angle toward the outside, a third elbow substantially at a right angle toward the elongation axis of the leg, and a fourth elbow substantially at a right angle toward the outside, the distal portion of the application member being straight and eccentric with respect to the elongation axis of the leg.
 25. The applicator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the element has an alternation of a first application member having the overall shape of a V with elbows oriented substantially perpendicularly to a median plane for the application member, and a second application member having elbows oriented toward the central part. 